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Friday, 3 March 2017

Think you know apprenticeships?

There are a lot of myths about
apprenticeships. Here, we separate fact from fiction.

·Fiction – Apprenticeships are not for
everyone.

·Fact – No matter your interests or how
old you are, you can find an apprenticeship to suit you. There are
apprenticeships available at all levels, in a huge range of sectors.

Apprenticeships start at Level 2, so you could
study an apprenticeship instead of taking A levels. Equally, if you are already
in full-time employment and want to change career, you have the chance to do so
with an apprenticeship.

·Fiction – Apprenticeships are like
volunteering.

·Fact – You get paid on the job, as you
learn.

Apprentices are paid the national minimum
wage as standard – while this might not sound like a lot, it will go a long way
to alleviating money worries.

·Fiction – Taking an apprenticeship will
make me less employable than a university graduate.

·Fact – Many apprenticeships share
content with full undergraduate courses. You can learn the same things you
would with a degree, but will pick up valuable experience at the same time.

While some employers favour those with a
traditional degree, this is changing. Strong performance on an apprenticeship
can make you stand out from the crowd – unlike many graduates, you’ll have
direct workplace experience alongside your qualification.

·Fiction: I will have fees to pay back.

·Fact: All apprenticeships are paid for
by the government and employers, so you’ll graduate debt-free!

From April 2017, apprenticeships will be
funded by the apprenticeship
levy. If you’re concerned about getting value for money out of your
studies, an apprenticeship could be for you – get all the skills and experience
you need, without the debt.

There are hundreds of apprenticeships out
there – if you are interested in taking one, start looking at your options now!